WWE Magazine Shuts Down

Large staff reductions follow poor Q2 report.

The news follows a poor second quarter earnings report for ownership group, WWE, that resulted about 55 job cuts across the company. Approximately 14 of those cuts were magazine staff, according to a source familiar with the situation.

"Out internal operations for WWE Magazine have ceased," the company says in a statement. "We will look at both domestic and international licensing opportunities moving forward."

As a whole, the pro wrestling producer reported a net loss of $22.5 million through the first half of 2014, down from an $8.2 million profit last year. Revenue increased slightly to $281 million. Slowing subscriber adoption to the group’s newly-launched streaming network contributed to the down quarter.

WWE Magazine’s closing sits at the crossroads of two major trends. While the shut down of a print product doesn’t come as a surprise anymore, the move comes as brand journalism continues to grow.

Its final issue will be released Sept. 16. WWE Kids and WWE Specials will also shut down.

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